Active Living

Lamar, Colorado

Healthy Places Initiative (2013-2017) | Lamar, Colorado

Lamar was one of three communities chosen to participate in the Healthy Places Initiative, a groundbreaking effort funded by The Colorado Health Foundation (TCHF) to encourage healthy lifestyles through changes to the built environment. Lamar received an initial evaluation from an advisory panel conducted by the national chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and a $1 million grant from the Foundation to implement the ULI recommendations. P.U.M.A. was selected by TCHF to provide technical assistance. We worked with the community for three years on consensus building, public/private financing, organizational partnerships, downtown revitalization and economic development. P.U.M.A. also provided assistance to the City of Lamar in preparing a Greater Outdoor Colorado (GoCo) Grant to fund the “Lamar Loop,” one of the priority implementation projects identified during our Health Places work.

Arvada, Colorado

Healthy Places Initiative (2013-2016) | Arvada, Colorado

Arvada was one of three communities chosen to participate in the Healthy Places Initiative, a groundbreaking effort funded by The Colorado Health Foundation (TCHF) to encourage healthy lifestyles through changes to the built environment. Arvada received an initial evaluation from an advisory panel conducted by the national chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and a $1 million grant from the Foundation to implement the ULI recommendations. P.U.M.A. was selected by TCHF to provide technical assistance for three years, with a focus on community consensus building, streetscape and park recommendations, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development through healthy places. Results included the installation of more than 40 new bike racks, major park improvements with new walking paths and adult fitness equipment, and a dog park. P.U.M.A. also provided long-term financial strategies including community-based funding mechanisms, special districts and local, state and federal grants.

Denver, Colorado

The Westwood neighborhood in Denver was one of three communities chosen to participate in the Healthy Places Initiative, a groundbreaking effort funded by The Colorado Health Foundation (TCHF) to encourage healthy lifestyles through changes to the built environment. Westwood received an initial evaluation from an advisory panel conducted by the national chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and a $1 million grant from the Foundation to implement the ULI recommendations. P.U.M.A. was selected by TCHF to provide technical, with a focus on community consensus building, streetscape and park recommendations, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development through healthy places. We participated in numerous community engagement activities, including alley improvement workshops, Morrison Road streetscape enhancement charrettes and design review, and an assessment of the bicycle and pedestrian connectivity throughout the neighborhood.

Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Wheat Ridge 2020 hired P.U.M.A. to research and assemble compelling evidence to demonstrate the economic and health benefits of walkable and bikeable streets in business districts. The research was compiled in order to educate residents about the benefits of converting 38th Avenue, the city’s traditional Main Street, into a bike- and pedestrian-friendly environment. The deliverables included a sourced research paper, case studies from other cities, and stories from business owners along the 38th Avenue corridor who supported the conversion.